We covered the basics of making your own ice pops, now it’s time to get fancy. From sweet to savory and icy to creamy, grab some Popsicle molds (or paper cups and wooden sticks) and get chillin’.

Popsicle Basics
Ice pops are a healthy indulgence. They can be made with nutritious ingredients like fruit, fruit juice, herbs, milk and yogurt. A little sugar, honey, or even alcohol can make them extra special. Since they’re portion controlled, there’s no need to feel guilty.

You can freeze almost anything into an ice pop – use these simple tips for success every time.

Always use freezer-safe containers.

Allow at least 6 hours to freeze (overnight is ideal), then run molds under warm water to release.

Adjust amounts of sweeteners and other flavorings to taste.

Watch portions of alcohol – use too much and the pops won’t set up properly (you’ll have slush instead).

Recipe Ideas
Mix up these fabulous fillings until they’re an easy to pour consistency, then transfer to molds and freeze.

Fruity

Wild Berry Buttermilk
Combine mixed berries, low fat buttermilk and honey in a blender. Reserve a few berries and drop them in whole before freezing.

Pomegranate-Cherry-Banana
Fill mold one third of the way with pomegranate juice. Drop in slices of fresh cherries and freeze for one hour. Then add a second layer made from blended 2% Greek yogurt, ripe banana and more pomegranate juice. Freeze for another hour and finish with one more layer of juice and cherries.

Outside the Box

Sweet-and-spicy hot chocolate pops.

“Hot” Chocolate
Combine low fat chocolate milk and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a blender, blend until frothy.

MargaritaAll you need is margarita mix – add tequila to it before freezing or choose a brand that already comes with alcohol (we used Jose Cuervo Light Margarita). To serve, remove from molds and serve with lime wedges and salt for dipping.